The Old School Takeover Jam hit Pueblo once again on March 22, entrancing citizens with the soulful songs of the past.

Staged for the first time by Robert “Beto” Espinoza of ODB productions and promoted by CSU-Pueblo’s REV 89, the concert took place at the Colorado State Fair Event Center with tickets costing $25 each, a small price to pay to see history in action.

Though a couple of billed artists were unable to attend, including the Mary Jane Girls, Candyman and David Wade, the concert ran incredibly smooth.  

The show began with special guest Najea, followed by ODM of a Lighter Shade of Brown, who included the hit “Hey DJ” in her set.

Next up was Jimmy Abeyta, a comedian whose ethnic comedy style is a mix between George Lopez and Carlos Mencia. His act generated quite a few laughs while some of the bigger acts were getting prepared.

It didn’t take long for Ron Ellison, lead singer of the Delfonic Review, to claim the stage.

Singing old school hits like “La, La, La, (Means I Love You)” and “Didn’t I Blow Your Mind,” Ellison showed remarkable charisma and poise while dancing across the stage in his zoot suit.

Following Ellison was Terry “Zapp” Troutman of the Zapp Band. Dressed in a sequin tuxedo, he worked his “Talk Box” through his set, which included the dance hit “Computer Love,” one of the Zapp Bands most famous songs.

The sexually charged singing of Adina Howards was next, whipping the crowd into a frenzy with her hit “Freak Like Me” and several tunes off her upcoming album “Private Show.”

One lucky audience member, Rev 89’s very own Angelo Alires, mass communications major, was included in her set, received a sexy lap dance while she sang.

“Audience participation is crucial as far as I’m concerned because they came to see a show and I came to connect to the audience. For me it’s a lot more fun and its fun for them,” Howards said.

As far as Alires’ experience, he commented “I’m just very, very happy that she chose me.”

A small intermission followed with DJ Diablo in control before the head-lining act came out, the flashy Midnight Star.

Donning all white, the six members of Midnight Star danced and sang a stunning finale, including hits “No Parking on the Dance Floor,” “Freakazoid” and “Wet My Whistle.” When finished, they thanked the audience with class and style.

Even though there was a terrible snow storm, the concert had a considerable turnout with over 3000 attendees, according to the Pueblo Chieftain.

The success of the show is due to the hard work of the artists and ODB Productions, said Mike Atencio, station manager of CSU-Pueblo’s Rev 89.

“A lot of people give Pueblo a bad rap for concerts,” said Atencio, “but ODB really does the best job in town.”

Rev 89 has been sponsoring the concert since 2003.